An Epigenetic Model of Autism and a Warning Regarding Risperdal

It is becoming increasingly clear that autism is epigenetic in nature. A model of autism is presented that explains the non-Mendellian heritability of autism, vulnerability to environmental insults, the regression event, and the persistence of autism symptoms after onset. Risperdal is a psychiatric medication that has been widely used to improve behavioral symptoms in ASD children. Use of this drug for children during a period of rapid brain development is difficult to justify.